Senate Progressives Fought for the Filibuster, and Fought for Us

Statement by NOW President Terry O’Neill

04.06.2017

After Senator Mitch McConnell’s reckless, disturbing decision to use the “nuclear” option, and force through the confirmation of Judge Neil Gorsuch, NOW is grateful to the progressive Senators who stood their ground for women.

For decades, Supreme Court nominees have cleared all of the procedural hurdles necessary with the support of 60 senators. Not this time. McConnell had to change the rules to get Gorsuch to a confirmation vote. That’s not surprising:

Gorsuch was nominated by a potentially illegitimate president, under investigation for possible collusion with the Russian government to manipulate the results of the 2016 election.

McConnell wasn’t able to get those 60 votes, because Gorsuch is not entitled to them.

We are deeply grateful to our 45 allies in Congress who did everything in their power to filibuster this disastrous nomination. These women and men understand that giving Gorsuch a seat on the bench will directly imperil women’s lives. We are thankful for their leadership, and deeply troubled by the actions of the senators who failed to join them. Women voters will remember this moment in November 2018.

Just one more vote stands between Neil Gorsuch and a lifetime appointment to our nation’s highest court. We urge all senators to refuse to confirm Neil Gorsuch this Friday evening. Women are watching, and we will not forget.